RMIT University Scholarships 2027 Australia | Fully Funded Research Awards

The RMIT University Scholarships 2027 provide an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue full-time master’s by research and doctoral degrees at RMIT University in Australia. These scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fee coverage, a living stipend, and relocation assistance, making them highly competitive and sought after. They cater to outstanding research candidates across a wide range of disciplines such as architecture, science, engineering, business, health, and the arts.

Unlike many scholarship programs with a single application process, RMIT requires applicants to first gain support from a proposed academic supervisor and submit an Expression of Interest. Only after this step are candidates invited to complete their full admission and scholarship application, ensuring both strong project alignment and supervisor commitment.

• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
• Flinders University Scholarships
• University of Tasmania Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia

RMIT University Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s by Research and PhD
• Host Institution: RMIT University
• Study Destination: Australia
• Funding: Full tuition fees, living stipend, relocation support
• Standard Scholarship Duration: 2 years for master’s by research, 3.5 years for PhD
• Application Deadline: Expression of Interest by August 30, 2027; Full application by September 30, 2027

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. RTP Stipend Scholarship
2. RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship
3. Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

RMIT University Scholarships Deadline

The RMIT University research scholarships for 2027 follow a two-stage application process, with key deadlines for submission of Expressions of Interest and full applications. Deadlines are fixed for the central scholarship round but may vary for some externally funded or school-specific scholarships.

RTP Stipend Scholarship Deadline

Applicants must submit their Expression of Interest by August 30, 2027, to be considered in the central scholarship round. After receiving an invitation, the full application including admission documents must be completed by September 30, 2027.

RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship Deadline

This scholarship follows the same timeline as the RTP Stipend Scholarship with the Expression of Interest deadline on August 30, 2027, and full applications due by September 30, 2027.

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Deadline

Candidates interested in the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship must complete a separate Expression of Interest form by August 30, 2027. The full application deadline remains September 30, 2027.

RMIT University Scholarship Coverage

RTP Stipend Scholarship

Funded by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program, this scholarship offers comprehensive support for international research students.

• Tax-free living stipend of AUD 36,245 per year (subject to indexation)
• Full international tuition fee coverage for the approved period
• Relocation allowance up to AUD 1,540
• Paid sick leave, maternity and parenting leave
• Duration: Up to 2 years for master’s by research, 3.5 years for PhD

RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship

Funded directly by RMIT University, this scholarship provides similar benefits and duration as the RTP Stipend Scholarship but is university-funded.

• Tax-free living stipend of AUD 36,245 per year (subject to indexation)
• Full international tuition fee coverage
• Relocation support up to AUD 1,540
• Paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave
• Duration: Up to 2 years for master’s by research, 3.5 years for PhD

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

This is RMIT’s most prestigious research scholarship, awarded to outstanding PhD candidates.

• Tax-free living stipend of AUD 48,299 per year (2026 rate, including university top-up)
• Additional AUD 5,000 annual research allowance
• Full international tuition fee coverage
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the visa period
• Relocation allowance up to AUD 1,540
• Paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave
• Duration: Up to 3 years 6 months

Eligibility Criteria for RMIT University Scholarships

Applicants must meet both the academic admission standards and specific scholarship requirements. Selection is competitive and considers academic excellence, research potential, and supervisor support.

RTP Stipend Scholarship Eligibility

• International applicants from any country
• Enrolment or application for a full-time master’s by research or PhD at RMIT Australia
• Must have secured support from a suitable senior supervisor
• Meet academic admission criteria including relevant degrees with research components and strong academic performance
• Must not already hold an equivalent higher research degree (e.g., research master’s or PhD)

RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship Eligibility

• Same as RTP Stipend Scholarship, open to international students applying for research degrees at RMIT
• Full-time enrolment required
• Evidence of supervisor support mandatory

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Eligibility

• Committing to commencing a PhD at RMIT from January 1, 2027, full-time study only
• High academic achievement such as master’s by research, coursework master’s with high distinction, or first-class honours
• Not currently enrolled in a PhD at RMIT or holding a doctoral degree

How to Apply for RMIT University Scholarships?

The application process involves securing supervisor support, submitting an Expression of Interest, and, if invited, completing a full scholarship and admission application. The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship requires an additional Expression of Interest form.

How to Apply for the RTP Stipend Scholarship?

1. Contact potential supervisors early to discuss your research proposal.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest by August 30, 2027, with evidence of supervisor support.
3. If invited, complete the full admission and scholarship application by September 30, 2027.
4. Await outcome notifications starting November 2027.

How to Apply for the RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship?

1. Follow the same steps as the RTP Stipend Scholarship using the central research scholarship application.

How to Apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship?

1. Submit the separate VCPS Expression of Interest form by August 30, 2027.
2. Include this with your general Expression of Interest and supervisor support documentation.
3. Complete the full application by September 30, 2027, if invited.
4. Monitor outcomes from November 2027 onward.

Documents Required for RMIT University Scholarships

Submission requirements vary slightly by scholarship but generally include academic transcripts, research proposal, CV, evidence of supervisor support, and English proficiency documentation.

RTP Stipend Scholarship Documents

1. Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
2. Research proposal aligned with supervisor’s expertise.
3. Proof of English language proficiency.
4. Evidence of supervisor support.
5. Curriculum vitae highlighting research and professional experience.

RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship Documents

1. Same as RTP Stipend Scholarship.

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Documents

1. All documents required for the standard scholarships.
2. Separate VCPS Expression of Interest form.

Website

For detailed guidelines and to submit your applications, visit the official RMIT scholarship pages. These resources provide comprehensive information and access to application portals.

• RMIT Research Application Portal
• RMIT Research Stipend Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship
• RMIT Research Scholarships Overview

Tuition Fees for International Students at RMIT University

While the research scholarships cover full tuition fees for master’s by research and PhD candidates, it is important to understand the typical tuition fees for these programs if you are self-funding or considering other funding options.

MBA and Master’s Programmes at RMIT University

For students interested in coursework postgraduate degrees, RMIT offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with the following details:

Estimated Living Costs for International Students in Melbourne

Living expenses are a significant part of the total cost of studying abroad. For international students at RMIT University in Melbourne, the estimated annual living costs are approximately AUD 21,000. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses.

Funding Options to Cover the Gap

Besides the RMIT University scholarships, students can explore various funding options to cover tuition and living expenses:

• RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship: Offers a tax-free living stipend of AUD 36,245 per year, full international tuition fee coverage, and relocation support up to AUD 1,540.
• RTP Stipend Scholarship: Funded by the Australian Government, providing similar benefits as the RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship.
• Other scholarships and grants available through Australian government and private organizations.
• Education loans for international students from banks and financial institutions.
• Research assistantships or teaching assistantships offered by RMIT University departments.
• Employer sponsorships or funding from home country organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines for RMIT University Research Scholarships 2027?

The Expression of Interest must be submitted by August 30, 2027, and the full application deadline is September 30, 2027.

Do RMIT University scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses?

Yes, the scholarships provide full international tuition fee coverage and a tax-free living stipend of AUD 36,245 per year (subject to indexation).

Can international students apply for these scholarships?

Yes, international students from any country applying for full-time master’s by research or PhD programs at RMIT University are eligible, provided they meet admission and scholarship criteria.

What is the duration of the scholarships?

Scholarships cover up to 2 years for master’s by research and up to 3.5 years for PhD candidates.

Are there any relocation allowances included?

Yes, successful candidates receive relocation support up to AUD 1,540 to assist with moving expenses.

Where can I find official and updated information about RMIT University scholarships?

Visit the official RMIT University research scholarships page at https://www.rmit.edu.au/scholarships/research/research-scholarships for comprehensive and current details.

Software Engineer & Scholarship Consultant with extensive experience supporting international students in navigating research scholarship applications.

Software Engineer and Scholarship Consultant at Scholarship Roar, focusing on international student mobility, higher education funding, and research degree opportunities worldwide.

Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024. Information is accurate as of the specified date and subject to change by RMIT University.